Equifax Inc., a global data, analytics, and technology company, has announced a partnership with Qlarifi, the first real-time consumer credit database specifically designed for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) lending. The collaboration aims to conduct a joint study on the impact of BNPL reporting on credit risk assessments and fraud prevention. As BNPL usage continues to grow among U.S. consumers, the study will utilize real-time data from multiple providers to assess the predictive power of BNPL data. This initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of BNPL behavior, minimize risks such as loan stacking, and ultimately improve credit decisioning for lenders and consumers alike. The partnership highlights the industry's move towards providing a more comprehensive consumer view and underscores the importance of real-time data in optimizing lending decisions and strengthening consumer protection.